Cranial Osteopathy

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. When we experience physical or emotional stresses our body tissues tend to tighten up. The body may have been able to adapt to these effects at the time, but a lasting strain often remains. Any tensions which remain held in the body can restrict its free movement. Gradually the body may find it more and more difficult to cope with accumulated stresses and symptoms may develop.

Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900's by Dr. William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's and '70's. Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.

What do Cranial Osteopaths treat?

It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age. Osteopaths may have different specialities including sports injuries, paediatrics, and visceral osteopathy (treating the internal organs of the body). Cranial osteopathy embraces all of these.

How Do Cranial Osteopaths Work?

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it.

Do I need a doctors' referral?

No, cranial osteopathy is covered by insurance companies under Osteopathy.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which works with the structure and function of the body. It is suitable for all ages. Osteopath use a wide variety of treatment techniques ranging from mobilising joints to massage techniques.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a firm therapeutic massage treatment aimed at accelerating tissue healing, release tension and restore balance to the musculo-skeletal system. It is not only suitable for sportspeople but for anyone looking for a therapeutic massage to balance the musculoskeletal system.

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work delicately with the body’s natural healing process to treat disease from its very root. It is suitable for all ages and helps with a wide range of conditions.

Western Herbal Medicine

Western Herbal medicine is the practice of using the therapeutic properties of plant extracts to treat or prevent illness. The aim of the treatment is to improve your overall state of wellbeing while treating your individual needs.

Western Medical Acupuncture

Western medical acupuncture is a therapeutic treatment involving the insertion of fine needles. It is an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, and the principles of evidence based medicine.

Sports Therapy/Rehab

Sports Therapy is an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the treatment and prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy employs low power or 'soft' laser light to aid the natural healing process of the body safely and effectively. It has been used for over 30 years and is widely available in the medical field for treatment of pain, wound healing and musculoskeletal conditions.